SM UNIFIED TO BEGIN TALKS WITH LABOR

Discussions will deal with budget outlook

SAN MARCOS 
The San Marcos Unified School District board took steps this week to open negotiations with employee groups on pay, benefits and work hours to address budget shortfalls and uncertainty with state funding.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget for next fiscal year relies on temporary tax increases planned for the November ballot.

The district will not issue layoff notices to permanent full-time teachers for next school year. However, the district is cutting the certificated staff by 25 teaching positions; those affected are on temporary contracts, Superintendent Kevin Holt said.

School districts are required to notify permanent teachers and counselors of layoffs for the coming school year by March 15. Last year, the San Marcos board approved 49 teacher layoff notices, which were rescinded.

Teachers union President Michael DeVries called the decision to not issue pink slips a “pleasant change.”

As district officials start work on the 2012-13 budget, which begins July 1, DeVries asked them to “keep in mind” that budget projections will change.

“We all need the most accurate figures to make the crucial decisions ahead of us,” he said.

DeVries said the union likely would not begin contract talks until mid-May, after the governor issues a revised budget proposal.

The board also passed a resolution Monday night giving notice to all employees — certificated, classified and management — of possible salary reductions for 2012-13.

Holt said the action was an “unfortunate reality of being in public education in California.”

The district must plan its 2012-13 budget based on a projected $14 million shortfall — a $20.1 million deficit less an estimated $6 million from reserves, said Gary Hamels, assistant superintendent of business services.

If the tax increases pass, the district would receive an additional $8.4 million to ease the $14 million shortfall, Hamel said. The district still would need to make $5.7 million in cuts.

“I don’t think people understand that we still have an issue (even) if the taxes pass,” trustee Sharon Jenkins said.